12 Things to Do at Belmont Park in San Diego

Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or wanting to flex your competitive muscle with friends, Belmont Park has tons of different activities for everyone. You’ll also discover great options to spend the afternoon or enough fun to dedicate an entire day to this seaside amusement park located in San Diego’s Mission Beach neighborhood.

1. Ride the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster

How could I not kick off this list with the most iconic aspect of Belmont Park? With a name like Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, you know this 1925-era coaster will be sure to impress. When you can look up from the twists and turns, remember to soak in the sweeping view of the ocean and Mission Beach.

2. Tackle All the Rides

If you’re someone who judges rides on their names, then you’ve come to the right place! Between the Beach Blaster, the Octotron, and Vertical Plunge, you can already feel your adrenaline start to climb. That’s only scratching the surface.

In total, Belmont Park hosts 12 different rides. It’s not just the names that give these rides a certain spark. You can rest assure that all delight, thrill, and entertain. This includes the Belmont Express train ride around the park which is a great option for smaller kids.

3. Reach New Heights

Want to reach a new vantage point? You’re in luck! Belmont Park gives you two different options to ascend new heights.

First, you can take it step-by-step through rock climbing at the Sky Climb. With countless routes to “master the mountain” so to say, you’ll feel the adrenaline of a mountaineer. Don’t forget to enjoy the sweeping views at the top as a reward for your efforts.

If you’re looking for the same adrenaline with a few more routes, explore the Sky Ropes. This adventure course invites you to traverse balance beams, cross tightropes, navigate a volcano, and more.

4. Zip-Lining Through the Park

Soar throughout the park with one of the newest additions to Belmont Park. Strap in for the ride of your life as you glide via zip-line through the park.

5. Bring on the Mini Golf

Things get interesting as you enter the Tiki Town Adventure Golf Course. Great for all ages, this course keeps everyone on their best game with twists, turns, and even surprises as you go.

Tip: At the time of this writing, if you successfully put the ball into the volcano’s opening (the final hole), you’ll receive a $5 card to use at the arcade.

6. Take on the Arcade

For a taste of classic gaming with a modern twist, bring the whole family to the arcade. Here you can traverse between favorites like Pac-Man or try your hand at the newer games to hit the market, such as Dance Dance Revolution. You can also earn tickets to redeem for various prizes. There is no need for change as the arcade runs on a reloadable card system.

7. Play Carnival Games

Try your best to win a stuffed emoji and other fun prizes by playing a variety of carnival games like popping balloons and much more.

8. Ramp up the Competition with Laser Tag

If the arcade isn’t jolting the adrenaline, take an extreme approach with an invigorating game of laser tag at Lazerblast Arcade. Hiding around corners and seeking out your opponents makes a great activity for all ages. Be warned, playing can be addictive. That’s why Lazerblast offers unlimited play options.

The arena is located in the same space as the arcade, giving you free reign to move between gaming and laser lightening.

9. Can You Escape?

No, I’m not talking about the park. I’m talking about the new escape room Escapology. Put your best sleuthing hat on because you and the gang have one hour to crack the code, pick the locks, and figure out how to escape from this epic puzzle room. Choose from three room options, or come back and go through all three to keep you on your mental game.

10. Dole Whip and Other Treats

Belmont Park is home to a Dole Whip truck for those in search of this cult classic, usually served at Disney parks. Or, there are Monster Ice Cream cones, frozen bananas and more at The Sweet Shoppe.

11. Brews and Views

While there are several places to eat in Belmont Park, Draft is among the most popular for its ocean views, handcrafted fare (great salmon burger and ahi salad) and 69 beers on tap (with 30+ bottled options).

12. Recover at the Beach

While not technically located within Belmont Park, once you’re done exploring all the adventures inside, you would be remiss if you didn’t finish your day enjoying the stunning sunset at Mission Beach or meandering down the boardwalk. It’s barely even a hop, skip, and a jump from the park entrance and a perfect place to enjoy one of the aforementioned treats. After all, with all that running and racing you did in the laser tag arena, you’ve more than earned it.

Save Money on Belmont Park Tickets

Admission to Belmont Park is free but you’ll need to spend a little cash on rides and activities to really enjoy it. There are several ways to save money at Belmont Park.

You can pay at Belmont Park to enjoy a ride or two, but it is much more economical to purchase bundled tickets. The Combo Wristband includes all rides in addition to laser tag, mini golf and other activities. The Unlimited Ride Wristband is what we usually buy for half-day visits as it allows kids to ride as many rides as they want.

But, if you plan a visit in advance, it’s usually possible to save a little money.Groupon usually has a Belmont Park offer. At the time of this writing it is pay $16 for a One-Day Unlimited ride pass.

If you are visiting San Diego, it is wise to consider the Go San Diego Card. This bundled attractions pass includes the likes of the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND and more. The Go San Diego Card can include an all-access Belmont Park pass, too, through its build-your-own option.

Parking at Belmont Park

There are four, free public parking lots surrounding Belmont Park. It is not unlikely for all of them to fill up during the weekends and summer. The best advice is to arrive at the park earlier in the day during peak season rather than later.

Good to Know

It is always wise to check the Belmont Park calendar before you go to make sure the rides and activities are open. During winter, for example, the rides are not open daily.

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